Clarence Ashbaugh

With deep sadness, we share that Clarence Walter “Wally” Ashbaugh passed away in Washington, Missouri, on Thursday afternoon, September 4, 2025, at the age of 75, after a brief—yet far too long—battle with cancer. We take comfort in knowing he left this world exactly as he wished: at home, surrounded by his family.

Wally was born on September 8, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Milliard Filmore and Betty June (Borders) Ashbaugh, who preceded him in death. He was a cherished brother to his surviving sister, Lucille Louise Watts (Jim), and to his siblings who passed before him: Milliard Glenn Ashbaugh, James David Ashbaugh, and Cathy Ann McKean.

Above all, Wally shared his life with his wife, Donna Rae (Raynor) Ashbaugh. Together since 1988 and married for more than two decades, their journey held both challenges and joy. Through the years they grew into best friends, and in recent years they became one another’s whole world. Donna’s devotion and care were constants in his life, and their bond was one of true partnership and love.

Wally’s greatest pride was his family. He was a loving father to Darren Lee Ashbaugh, Judith Lorraine Brock (Jim), and Jason Paul Raynor. To his grandchildren, Jacob Alexander Ashbaugh and Jana Lee Raynor, he was their “Papa,” a name he treasured deeply. He also embraced the role of honorary grandfather to Violet Eulalia Probst (Chris), and his home and heart were always open to the friends of his children and grandchildren, whom he welcomed as family.

Wally lived a life marked by service, determination, and an independent spirit. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His time in the military remained a source of deep pride, and he spoke several times to local high school students about the realities and impacts of the war, hoping to pass on lessons of sacrifice and resilience to a new generation.

An entrepreneur at heart, Wally started, developed, and sold several businesses over the years. Never one to thrive under someone else’s rules or values, he preferred to build his own path. His career took him in many directions—from working as a financial advisor with Hilliard Lyons and Merrill Lynch, to returning to Southern Illinois University later in life to earn his bachelor’s degree, and ultimately to creating the medical device business that became his true passion. He poured his heart into building a company that serviced medical handpieces, which grew to include a successful autoclave parts business.

Wally was a born salesman—fearless in making a cold call, but more importantly, gifted in connecting with people. He loved to talk, to listen, and to guide others toward what they truly needed. For him, success was never just about business; it was about people, relationships, and the joy of helping others succeed. He took pride in solving problems quickly and honestly, often choosing integrity over profit, and found the greatest satisfaction in the people he met along the way.

Wally also had a zest for life and a love of simple pleasures. He was an avid fisherman, finding peace and joy in time spent on the water. He loved puzzles, often leaving them on the table and returning again and again, spending hours focused until he solved them. He recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a pinball machine, delighting in the fun and challenge it brought. He treasured family time, especially the annual vacations he organized, which became a cherished tradition full of laughter, stories, and togetherness. Whether pursuing his hobbies, sharing a laugh, or teaching those around him, Wally approached life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a generosity of spirit. His passions, his humor, and his warmth were felt by all who had the privilege of spending time with him.

Wally will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and “Papa,” a proud Marine, and an entrepreneur who followed his own path with courage and integrity. He touched the lives of all who knew him—with his kindness, humor, and generosity, and with the same care he gave to his family, his friends, and even strangers. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit, his lessons, and his love will continue to guide and inspire those whose lives he enriched.

In celebration of Wally’s life, his visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on September 9, 2025, at Irwin Funeral Chapel in Granite City, Illinois, with the funeral service to follow at 11:30 a.m. The funeral procession will be led by the Patriot Guard to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, with military honors to be conducted by the United States Marines.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to organizations that were meaningful to Wally: Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or the VITAS Hospice program. Contributions to these causes over flowers are strongly preferred as a way to honor his memory.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home